Gifted Issues Discussion homepage Forums Identification, Testing & Assessment Finally Got DS13's New Results

You might consider talking with an educational advocate who can give you the lay of the land locally.

The school psych can tell you that about the diagnosis-- but it's not a legally correct or defensible position. Getting familiar enough with the law on your own to fight them on this is probably unworkable (unless you just happen to be an attorney). But finding someone with expertise who can guide you can be well worth it. I took that route when the school didn't want to help, and it was very effective for us.

DeeDee

Does he have an ADHD diagnosis? If so EF surely falls under that. Even if not effectively saying he is disorganised, not our problem seems illogical. Disorganised is a symptom or a result not a disorder in itself.

ITA with DeeDee, also ITA re seeking the advice of a local advocate.

One thing I'd do in prep for the meeting is to think through as much as *you* can, what accommodations and remediation does your ds need in the classroom to be successful? Don't focus on his diagnoses, focus on his educational needs. Make a list of the accommodations/remediation you think he needs, try to double-check it against what seems reasonable (i.e., you might find a list of typical accommodations under your school district's SPED policy, or your state department of ed website, or by looking on the web for lists that go with specific types of disabilities and challenges). Find examples from your ds' school history (classwork, behavior reports, whatever) that document the challenge, and have a suggestion for how to deal with it.

They've already said he will qualify for an IEP under SLD. That doesn't mean they can't slip in an accommodation for an EF issue - and you might find that simply asking for something that is typical will be a lot easier than slogging through what he really needs for the writing issues if it's something atypical that you're asking for. I think you might also find that a lot of accommodations for EF issues are very very typical accommodations (at least they are in our school district!).

And absolutely, if you have a local parents advocate group - use them! Having advice from an advocate who not only understands the law as well as local school district policy, but also most likely knows ins and outs specific to personalities in your school district, will be very *very* helpful.

Best wishes,

polarbear





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DeeDee, I have been working with the parent advocate with the state and aeh on here has helped me get DS13 retested. I think most of the time the district tries to shortcut as much as possible to make less work for themselves. They know I am a fighter though.

Puffin, yes he does have an ADHD diagnosis. The district does not want to deal with it and only think they can help with his writing difficulties. It isn't just the disorganization piece either, he is below normal across the board with the EFD. It is so frustrating!

Polar bear, I am making a list right now of his strengths and weaknesses with recommendations in the state laws for each one. I am very hopeful that works.